Shadows of Zana

About Shadows of Zana

Shadows of Zana is a 2D action platformer developed by SnuggleFry Games and released on November 10, 2025 for PC. A direct sequel to Phantom of Zana, it follows Fantastic Fania as she investigates the theft of a kingdom’s color and the queen’s disappearance. With pixel-art visuals and fast-paced combat, the game leans into retro aesthetics while adding new mechanics like sliding, dashing, and bouncing off enemies. It’s a shorter, punchier experience compared to its predecessor, focusing on quick reflexes and platforming precision. Ideal for fans of tight controls and nostalgic 2D action, though its brevity might leave some wanting more.

Gameplay

You’ll spend most sessions navigating levels by swinging, dashing, and slicing through obstacles while battling foes with melee attacks or explosive projectiles. Combat is responsive, letting you chain dashes into strikes or use enemy heads as springboards to reach new areas. Each level is a puzzle of physics-based challenges, timing jumps, avoiding traps, and using speed to clear gaps. Boss fights mix platforming and combat, requiring memorization of attack patterns. The controls feel tight but lack depth; progression relies on mastering movement rather than unlocking abilities. Sessions rarely stretch past an hour, with 5, 7 levels per chapter and optional secrets to hunt for completionists.

What Players Think

PlayPile community ratings average 8.2/10, with 72% completing the base story. Average playtime is 11.8 hours, though 23% log over 15. Critics praise the “crisp combat and charming art” but note “repetitive level design.” Achievement completion sits at 89% for most players, with 127 trophies split between story and optional challenges. Community moods highlight “Retro charm” (68%) and “Satisfying combat” (74%), but 19% call it “Too short.” A user review sums it up: “Feels like a lost 16-bit gem, but I wish there were more levels.” The $19.99 price tag aligns with its concise runtime.

PlayPile's Take

Shadows of Zana is a polished but brief follow-up best for fans of the first game or 2D platformers with retro flair. The combat and movement are a joy, but the 12-hour runtime and limited level variety make it a niche pick. At under $20, it’s a safe bet for those craving snappy action and pixel art. Skip if you prefer deeper narratives or longer campaigns. Achievements add replay value, but don’t expect a revolution in the genre. Solid, but not essential.

Storyline

Shortly after The Prince returned home safely and The Queen was changed back to her original form, trouble has once again fallen upon King Joy. The Queen has gone missing and The Color of the kingdom has been stolen! Is the Phantom of Zana up to something once again? Or has a new scallywag hit the scene? Play as Fantastic Fania once again and unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of The Color and The Queen.